Easy & Delicious Chicken Tortilla Casserole: Your New Go-To Weeknight Mexican Dinner
Every now and then, you stumble upon a recipe that just sticks with you. For me, it was an email from a dear friend back in September 2003, detailing what she called “Chicken Enchilada Casserole.” While the flavors were undeniably Mexican-inspired and utterly delicious, I noticed a distinct lack of traditional enchilada sauce in the preparation. So, with a few tweaks and a fresh perspective, I affectionately renamed it: Chicken Tortilla Casserole. And oh my goodness, I can’t believe I ever let this gem slip from my memory! It’s super good, incredibly easy, and a perfect example of comforting, flavorful food.
A huge shout-out to my friend, Lori, for sharing this amazing recipe over two decades ago! It’s truly timeless.
Just last week, I decided to revisit this forgotten favorite. I whipped it up for dinner, serving it alongside some homemade {Restaurant Style} Refried Beans, and it was an absolute hit. It’s the kind of meal that comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. The rich, creamy chicken filling, soft tortillas, and gooey melted cheese create a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you’re a fan of hearty casseroles and crave the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine, you are absolutely going to want to give this Chicken Tortilla Casserole a try. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
Why This Chicken Tortilla Casserole Will Become Your New Family Favorite
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a baking dish. What makes this Chicken Tortilla Casserole stand out? It’s a blend of simplicity, speed, and undeniable deliciousness. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy family dinner, it consistently delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Effortless Preparation
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its minimal prep time. With just 10 minutes of hands-on work, you can assemble a fantastic meal. The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The magic happens in the oven, transforming simple ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, savory casserole, and this one is no exception. The layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft tortillas, all generously topped with melted cheese, create a satisfying experience. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for any season.
Versatile and Customizable
While the recipe itself is perfect as is, it also offers plenty of room for customization. Want to add a bit more heat? A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick. Looking to sneak in some veggies? Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans can easily be folded into the chicken mixture. This adaptability ensures that the casserole can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
A Meal That Freezes Beautifully
For those who love to meal prep or simply enjoy having a quick dinner option ready for later, this Chicken Tortilla Casserole freezes exceptionally well. Prepare an extra batch and store it in the freezer for a hassle-free meal on those extra busy evenings. Reheating is simple, bringing back all the comforting flavors as if it were freshly baked.
This casserole hits all the right notes: it’s quick, easy, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. It’s truly a dish that deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Line the bottom of your dish with soft tortillas, creating the foundational layer for this amazing casserole.
A generous topping of Cheddar Jack cheese ensures a golden, bubbly crust after baking.
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Print Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Ingredients
You’ll also need 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (or use a rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease!)
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained)
- 1 4 ounce can chopped green chilies (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 2 cans of Cream of Chicken Soup (condensed)
- 1 teaspoon chopped Cilantro (fresh, optional but recommended for freshness)
- 8 soft flour taco sized tortillas (from a 12 ounce package, cut into bite-sized pieces or strips)
- 10 slices of Cheddar/Jack Cheese (or 2 cups shredded cheese)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to a comforting 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 2-quart deep dish baking pan and generously spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures easy serving and cleanup.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the undrained can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), the chopped green chilies, both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, and the fresh chopped cilantro (if using). Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in your cooked, shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
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Arrange half of your bite-sized tortilla pieces or strips in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These will absorb the delicious sauce and become wonderfully soft during baking.
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Carefully pour half of the flavorful chicken mixture over the tortilla layer, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
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Top this layer with 4 slices of your Cheddar/Jack cheese (or about 1 cup of shredded cheese), setting the stage for that gooey, melty goodness.
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Repeat the layering: add the remaining half of the tortillas on top of the cheese, then cover them with the remaining chicken mixture.
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Finally, top the entire casserole with the last 6 slices of cheese (or the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese). This top layer will brown beautifully and seal in all the moisture.
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Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling golden brown around the edges and the center is thoroughly heated and bubbly.
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Once baked, remove from oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to portion.
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This casserole also freezes exceptionally well for future meals! To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until bubbly.
Nutrition
Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Making this Chicken Tortilla Casserole is already straightforward, but with a few extra tips and variations, you can elevate it even further or tailor it perfectly to your family’s tastes.
Chicken Preparation
- Rotisserie Chicken is Your Best Friend: For the ultimate shortcut, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is ideal. Simply shred the meat, and you’re ready to go.
- Boil and Shred: If using raw chicken breasts or thighs, boil or poach them until cooked through, then shred with two forks. You can also bake or pan-fry them.
- Season Your Chicken: Even if using pre-cooked chicken, a quick sauté with a sprinkle of taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder can add an extra layer of flavor.
Tortilla Tips
- Corn vs. Flour: While the recipe calls for soft flour tortillas, you can absolutely use corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor. Just be aware they can sometimes absorb more liquid, so you might want to slightly increase the sauce. Cutting them into strips or bite-sized pieces works best for easy layering and serving.
- Lightly Fry for Texture: For a slightly firmer, more enchilada-like texture, lightly fry your tortilla pieces in a little oil until just pliable before layering. This prevents them from becoming too soft.
Flavor Boosters & Add-ins
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture, or include finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled). A dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the mix or served on the side also works wonders.
- Veggies Galore: Feel free to fold in about half a cup of canned corn (drained), black beans (rinsed and drained), or sautéed diced onions and bell peppers into the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Herb Power: Don’t limit yourself to cilantro. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a pinch of dried oregano can complement the flavors beautifully.
- Cream Cheese Kick: For an even richer, creamier sauce, mix in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the soup and Rotel.
Cheese Choices
While Cheddar Jack is a fantastic choice for its melty quality and flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend cheese would work wonderfully. For a sharper flavor, a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack is excellent.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while your oven preheats, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this Chicken Tortilla Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Restaurant-Style Refried Beans: As mentioned, these are a perfect match.
- Mexican Rice: A classic pairing that complements the casserole’s flavors.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a nice contrast.
- Fresh Toppings: Offer sour cream, extra chopped cilantro, diced avocado, salsa, or guacamole for guests to customize their serving.
With these tips, your Chicken Tortilla Casserole will be an unforgettable meal every time!
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More Mexican-Inspired Favorites for Your Kitchen
If you’re anything like me, the vibrant and comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine hold a special place in your heart. This Chicken Tortilla Casserole is just one of many ways to bring those delicious tastes to your dinner table. For those who can’t get enough of cheesy chicken dishes, allow me to introduce you to another absolute favorite in our household:
These White Chicken Enchiladas are another Mexican Chicken favorite at our house! Unlike our tortilla casserole, these feature a rich and tangy sour cream-based sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a generous amount of cheese, all rolled up in soft tortillas. They are incredibly satisfying and bring a different but equally delicious flavor profile to your Mexican dinner rotation. If you enjoy the creamy goodness of this casserole, you will undoubtedly adore these enchiladas.
Exploring different variations of Mexican-inspired chicken dishes is a fantastic way to keep weeknight meals exciting and full of flavor. Both the Chicken Tortilla Casserole and the White Chicken Enchiladas offer comfort and taste, making them perfect options for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to dive into these recipes and discover your own family’s next favorite!
No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with the flavors everyone loves. Happy cooking!